Breadcrumb

CEFOTAXIME

Disclaimer to the On-line Edition

This Manual has been designed for use in the NICU at London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC), London, Ontario, Canada, and represents clinical practice at this institution. The information contained within the Manual may not be applicable to other centres. If users of this Manual are not familiar with a drug, it is recommended that the official monograph be consulted before it is prescribed and administered. Any user of this information is advised that the contributors, Editor and LHSC are not responsible for any errors or omissions, and / or any consequences arising from the use of the information in this Manual.

CEFOTAXIME

Indication

cefotaxime is a 3rd generation cephalosporin antibiotic; it is used for the treatment of documented or suspected meningitis or septicemia due to susceptible organisms and for nonpseudomonal Gram-negative organisms (eg. E. coli, H. influenzae, Klebsiella) in patients in whom it is preferable not to use an aminoglycoside

it is advisable to add ampicillin to cover for the possible presence of Listeria or enterococcus (especially when treating neonates with possible meningitis)

Pharmacology

the antibacterial activity of cefotaxime results from the inhibition of bacterial cell wall synthesis

cefotaxime is partially metabolized to an active metabolite, desacetylcefotaxime